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Photo of wife carrying former Marine, Jesse Cottle, is recognized by friends in Fort Collins

By Deb Stanley7News

Posted:
08/29/2013 01:30:01 PM MDT

Updated:
08/29/2013 02:59:59 PM MDT

Kelly and Jesse Cottle pose for a photo during a family weekend in Idaho. Jesse, a Marine and double amputee originally from Fort Collins, was injured after stepping on an IED while serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2009. He and Kelly met while he was recovering and celebrated their first wedding anniversary in August of 2013. (Provided bySarah Ledford)

FORT COLLINS — When a photo of a wife carrying her husband, a wounded Marine, went viral on the internet recently, many people in Northern Colorado said, "I know that guy."

That's because Jesse Cottle was born and raised in Fort Collins. He served three tours in Iraq and when he re-enlisted he attended explosive ordnance school, according to a fundraiser held in Fort Collins after he was injured.

Cottle and his wife, Kelly, were having photos taken during a family weekend in Idaho when everyone gathered in the water. Jesse, a double amputee, then took off his prosthetic legs and hopped on Kelly's back so she could carry him in. Cottle said the couple didn't think twice about it, it's just how they get around.

Kelly (left) and Jesse (second from left) Cottle pose for a photo during a family weekend in Idaho. Jesse, a Marine and double amputee originally from Fort Collins, was injured after stepping on an IED while serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2009. He and Kelly met while he was recovering and celebrated their first wedding anniversary in August of 2013. (Provided by Sarah Ledford)